(Posted 19th May 2026)
Travel Advisories for Uganda have taken to a new level since the announcement of yet another Ebola outbreak in the country, even though the source of the outbreak is in neighbouring Congo DR.
While many countries have added extra cautionary information for travelers to Uganda has in particular the US State Department upped the ante – thought to be for many other reasons than just the reported outbreak – and raised their advisory level from previously 3 to now 4, which stands for DO NOT TRAVEL.
The sharp warning comes just days before a major tourism and travel show is due to take place in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city and industry leaders have already began to complain about the new level of anti travel advice which the US State Department has resorted to.
While no substantial impact is as of now expected to hit the POATE Tourism show are arrival numbers in Entebbe, and at land borders, now being monitored closely to establish what fallout such information given to their citizens by foreign source country governments for visitors to Uganda will have.
Do not travel
to Uganda due to health, crime, terrorism, unrest, and laws targeting persons based on sexual orientation.
Advisory summary
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Uganda due to the Health situation.
Health
On May?17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in?the?DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern(opens in a new tab).??
On?May 15, the?U.S.?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a?Level 1 (Practice Usual Precautions) Travel Health Notice for Ebola(opens in a new tab)?for Uganda.
Crime
Violent crime is a real danger in Uganda. This includes armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault. Crime can happen anytime. It is more common in larger cities, the Karamoja region, and along Uganda’s western and northern borders.
Both visitors and residents face these threats. Police struggle to respond to serious crime in most places due to limited resources.
Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Uganda. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism(opens in a new tab) to learn more.
Terrorist groups have targeted:
- Religious venues
- Schools
- Government buildings
- Police stations
- Transportation hubs
- Areas visited by tourists, including national parks
These attacks have resulted in the deaths of Ugandans as well as foreign visitors. U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid large public gatherings.
Unrest
Protests can happen with little to no warning. They often develop around political issues and events, like elections. National elections are set for January 15, 2026. Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report(opens in a new tab) for your destination prior to traveling.
When protests, strikes, and demonstrations turn chaotic, security services respond with force. They have used batons, rubber bullets, tear gas, and gunfire to break up the crowds.
Laws targeting persons based on sexual orientation
The 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) criminalizes consensual same-sex relations in Uganda. The law applies to both visitors and residents.
The AHA increases the danger for persons who may be targeted based on their real or perceived sexual orientation, and those accused of “promoting homosexuality.” Penalties include life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Those seen as supporting gay and lesbian people have experienced harassment and violence by vigilantes.
If you decide to travel to Uganda:
- Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Review our information on Crime Abroad and Victims of Crime.
- Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry, or smartphones.
- Use caution when walking or driving at night.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Stay alert in tourist spots.
- Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
- Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. List how and when you’ll confirm you’re safe (text or call). Specify how often you’ll do this.
- Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.
- Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Uganda. Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for Uganda.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)(opens in a new tab) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report(opens in a new tab) for Uganda.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information(opens in a new tab) for Uganda.
- Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
- We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
